Jackson's mum awarded custody of children

Michael Jackson's mother was awarded custody of the singer's three children yesterday and his ex-wife Debbie Rowe was given visitation, formalising an arrangement announced last week.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved an agreement between the two women on the future of the late pop star's children following his sudden death in June.

Mr Beckloff also agreed to provide Katherine Jackson, 79, with an allowance paid by the singer's estate, along with a separate allowance for the three children. Lawyers for Katherine Jackson said the singer had supported his mother financially during his career.

The Thriller singer had stipulated in a 2002 will that he wanted his mother to care for Prince Michael, 12, Paris, 11, and Prince Michael II, 7. But after his death Ms Rowe had seemed to consider challenging for custody herself.

Lawyers for both parties said no money had changed hands as part of the agreement approved by the court yesterday. Ms Rowe will have the right to visit her two children with Jackson. The biological mother of the youngest boy has never been revealed.